Saudi Arabia

5 NOVEMBER 2025 – Global law firm DLA Piper has advised the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) on the successful close of the Jubail–Buraydah Independent Water Transmission Pipeline Project (IWTP), with a total project value of approximately USD2.2 billion. The project, which includes the development of a 587 km pipeline, will connect the Eastern Province of Jubail to the city of  Buraydah (in the Qassim region). It will be one of the largest water transmission projects in the Kingdom. Developed under a 35-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, the pipeline, once complete, will have the capacity to transfer approximately 650,000 cubic meters per day of drinking water, enhancing water security for more than two million citizens. DLA Piper's role in this project builds on its work with the SWPC across its Independent Sewage Treatment Plant and Independent Water Project programmes. The firm has previously advised on landmark projects, including the first IWTP project, Rayis–Rabigh, and the first Independent Strategic Water Reservoir project, Juranah. The completion of this project reinforces the firm's leading capabilities in Project Finance and sectoral capabilities and knowledge, enabling it to structure and deliver complex, large-scale infrastructure projects that support the objectives of key initiatives, such as the National Water Strategy 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030.   The DLA Piper team was led by Adam Haque, a Dubai-based partner in the firm's Projects practice, part of the Finance practice. He was supported by a team from the firm's Dubai and Riyadh offices, including Finance Partner, and Co-Managing Partner of DLA Piper's Riyadh office, Paul Latto, along with Agathi Trakkidi (Finance, legal director), Rhys Rowland (Finance, senior associate), and Trisha Jivan and Abdulrahman Alhusain (both Finance associates). Commenting on the project, Adam Haque said: "This landmark project will transform the way water is supplied to millions of citizens across the region. Developed through the BOOT model, the project is a key example of how the Kingdom is increasing the use of public-private partnership financing for critical infrastructure that aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030. "The successful close of this project is another example of how our cross-border teams can support clients with notable and complex projects." DLA Piper's Finance practice is one of the driving forces of the DLA Piper global practice, providing market-leading insight and advice and representing leading investment and commercial financial institutions, public and private companies and government entities. The team advises clients across the full spectrum of banking/finance and capital markets, including asset-based lending, leveraged and debt finance, capital markets/high-yield bonds, derivatives, digital finance, fund finance, securitisation and structured finance, project finance, real estate finance, corporate treasury and venture finance. About DLA Piper DLA Piper is a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes. Every day we help trailblazing organizations seize business opportunities and successfully manage growth and change at speed. Through our pro bono work and community investment around the world, we help create a more just and sustainable future. Visit dlapiper.com to discover more. Contact Suraj Mashru, Senior PR Manager (UK), DLA Piper, +44 (0) 207 153 2617, [email protected] Jasmine Akouiradjemou, Communications and Events Manager (Dubai), DLA Piper, +971 4438 6119, [email protected]  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step forward in reshaping its arbitration landscape with the release of the Draft Arbitration Law. This development reflects Riyadh’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030 to become a hub for commerce, dispute resolution, and foreign investment in the Middle East. For businesses, investors, and practitioners alike, the law represents a modern, comprehensive framework designed to align with international standards while respecting Saudi Arabia’s unique legal identity rooted in Sharia principles. Modernization and International Alignment The Draft Arbitration Law streamlines procedures and introduces clearer definitions, greater flexibility for parties, and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Importantly, it applies not only to domestic arbitration seated in the Kingdom but also to international commercial arbitration with a Saudi nexus, should the parties agree. This dual scope underscores Saudi Arabia’s desire to attract cross-border commerce and investment by assuring international parties that arbitration proceedings will meet global best practices. Provisions governing interim measures, electronic communications, virtual hearings, and enforcement of awards demonstrate a clear effort to align with UNCITRAL standards while retaining a distinctly Saudi character. Key Highlights Arbitration Agreement: The law recognizes electronic formats and digital signatures, broadening access in today’s digital economy. Tribunal Composition: Arbitrators must have full legal capacity, but there are no restrictions on nationality unless parties agree otherwise, widening the pool of expertise available. Procedural Flexibility: Parties may select their own procedural rules, including institutional rules, provided they do not contravene Sharia and provides for virtual hearings and electronic submissions. This allows alignment with leading international arbitration centers. Interim and Conservatory Measures: For the first time, tribunals can order measures to preserve assets, maintain status quo, or secure evidence. Courts are empowered to enforce these measures quickly. Finality of Awards: Awards are binding and enforceable, with annulment limited to narrow grounds, such as violation of Sharia or public policy, improper tribunal formation, or incapacity of a party. Enforcement: Awards have the same res judicata effect as court judgments, subject to verification by Saudi courts. Certified Arabic translations are required for awards in other languages. A Balancing Act: Modern Standards and Local Identity The Draft Arbitration Law reflects a careful balance between international norms and domestic legal principles. While inspired by global models such as the UNCITRAL Model Law, its mandatory references to Sharia and Saudi public policy maintain continuity with the Kingdom’s legal tradition. This duality will be familiar to regional practitioners, but for international users it provides reassurance that Saudi Arabia is committed to predictability while remaining anchored in its constitutional foundations.   Business Confidence and Investor Protection For multinational corporations, joint ventures, and financial institutions, arbitration is often the preferred method of dispute resolution due to its neutrality and confidentiality. The Draft Law goes a long way in addressing investor concerns around enforceability and efficiency, especially by introducing time limits for certain procedures and enabling virtual hearings. These reforms support Riyadh’s strategic goal of becoming a regional hub for finance and trade. Opportunities for the Region For the wider Middle East, the Saudi reform raises the bar. It will encourage greater consistency across jurisdictions, increase investor confidence, and may well inspire similar updates in neighboring states. Given the Kingdom’s role as the largest economy in the GCC, this legislation is likely to influence the direction of arbitration reform across the region. GLA & Co’s Perspective As a firm deeply engaged in regional arbitration, GLA & Co recognizes the importance of this draft law for the legal community and business sector. Nader Al Awadhi, Senior Partner at GLA & Co, commented: “Saudi Arabia’s Draft Arbitration Law is a milestone for the Kingdom and for the region. It brings the Kingdom’s arbitration framework closer to international standards while preserving its unique legal identity. For businesses, it provides clarity, flexibility, and—most importantly—confidence that their disputes will be resolved fairly and efficiently. At GLA & Co, we view this as a positive development that will enhance Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional leader in dispute resolution.” Conclusion The Draft Arbitration Law marks a new era for dispute resolution in Saudi Arabia. By integrating international best practices with local legal traditions, the Kingdom is signaling its readiness to host high-value commercial disputes and to strengthen its attractiveness as a global investment destination. GLA & Co will continue to monitor the progress of this law closely and provide clients with up-to-date analysis and practical guidance. As the Middle East’s leading regional law firm, we remain committed to supporting clients in navigating this evolving landscape and in harnessing the opportunities it presents.

GLA & Company has successfully secured merger control clearance from the Saudi General Authority for Competition (“GAC”) in Saudi Arabia on behalf of Bajaj Auto International Holdings B.V. (the Buyer) in relation to its acquisition of an additional controlling stake in Pierer Bajaj AG (the Target) from Pierer Industrie AG (the Seller). The EUR 50,600,000 transaction grants the Buyer sole control over the Target, marking a significant milestone in Bajaj Auto’s long-standing partnership with the Pierer Group and in its strategic global expansion. GLA & Co’s Antitrust & Competition team, which was led by Asad Ahmad, Head of Anti-Trust & Competition with the assistance of Associates Khaled Al Khashab and Shahad Al Humaidani, advised the Buyer on all aspects of the Saudi merger control process, including preparing and submitting the economic concentration filing, compiling supporting documentation, and engaging with the GAC throughout the review to secure approval in less than a week from submission of filing fee. The Target, Pierer Bajaj AG, was established from the cooperation between Bajaj Auto Limited (“BAL”) and the Seller’s KTM brand in 2007, with the Target’s sole business being Pierer Mobility AG (PMAG), a holding company for KTM AG. The Buyer, a Netherlands-based wholly owned subsidiary of BAL, is part of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, headquartered in Pune, India. The Seller, Pierer Industrie AG, is a globally active industrial investment group with a diverse portfolio in the production and distribution of motorbikes, high-performance vehicle components, electric bicycles, and automotive wiring solutions. GLA & Co’s Antitrust & Competition team is recognized for its deep expertise in advising on complex merger control and competition law matters across the MENA Region. The team regularly supports clients in navigating regulatory frameworks, securing clearances for high-value cross-border transactions, and managing antitrust risks in diverse industries. Combining technical legal knowledge with great working relationships with the regulators, the practice is well-equipped to handle all aspects of competition law—from economic concentration filings to anti-competitive behaviour investigations and ensuring compliance in complex multi-jurisdictional deals. Alex Saleh, Managing Partner at GLA & Co, commented, “We are delighted to have supported Bajaj Auto in obtaining merger clearance from the GAC for this strategic transaction. This matter reflects the growing significance of competition law in cross-border industrial investments and demonstrates our ability to navigate complex regulatory processes in Saudi Arabia with precision and efficiency.” This clearance underscores GLA & Co’s leading position in advising on high-value, cross-border transactions and competition law matters across the MENA Region, cementing the firm’s reputation for delivering practical, business-focused legal solutions. For more information, please contact Alex Saleh, Managing Partner, or Asad Ahmad, Head of Antitrust & Competition.

Saudi Premium Residency, often called the “Saudi Green Card,” is a residence permit in Saudi Arabia that grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and own businesses and property in the Kingdom without requiring a sponsor.  This program aims to attract talents, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to Saudi Arabia to boost the country’s economy. Launched in 2019, it has garnered substantial international attention, signifying a major step in diversifying the Saudi economy and attracting top-tier talent and investments worldwide. Introduction to Saudi Premium Residency Saudi Premium Residency program initially provided two options: a one-year residency with the possibility of renewal (limited duration) and a permanent (unlimited duration) residency. In early 2024, Saudi Arabia expanded the Premium Residency program by streamlining the application process and expanding the eligibility criteria. This enhancement introduced five new options (referred to as products), designed to attract a broader spectrum of individuals, including real estate owners, business investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and skilled professionals. Eligibility Criteria  To qualify for Saudi Premium Residency, applicants must meet specific requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the specific Premium Residency product being applied for, but there are general eligibility criteria that all applicants must fulfill, regardless of the residency product: Valid Passport The main applicant and any family members included in the application must have valid passports with a minimum validity of six months at the time of application. Their passports should not contain any restrictions that could prevent them from returning to Saudi Arabia at any time. Financial Solvency The main applicant must demonstrate financial solvency and the ability to support themselves and their family members during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This can be proven through bank statements and other financial documents. Clean Criminal Record All applicants and their family members must have a clean criminal record. The applicant must also consent to allow the Saudi Premium Residency Center to conduct background checks with the relevant authorities in their country of residence. Health Requirements A recent medical report verified that applicants and their family members must be free from communicable diseases. This report must be issued within the last six months by a licensed medical center in Saudi Arabia or a center certified by Saudi diplomatic missions abroad. Legal Residency Proof If applying from within Saudi Arabia, the applicant must provide proof of legal residency in the country. You May Also Read: Premium Residency Program Last Updates in Saudi Arabia Family Members Eligible for Saudi Premium Residency Family members of Premium Resident holders will also receive residency privileges. There is no limit to the number of family members a Premium Resident can have within Saudi Arabia. Eligible family members include spouses, children under 25 years old, and parents. Additionally, children with special needs, regardless of their age, as well as unmarried daughters over the age of 25, may also obtain residency as eligible family members of the main Premium Residency holder. What is the Application Process With the “Saudi Green Card”, individuals can recruit foreign domestic workers and arrange their residency with a housemaid visa or a domestic worker visa. Another benefit is that in the event of the Saudi Premium Residency holder’s passing, their family members who have been granted Premium Residency will retain their “KSA green card” rights and benefits. Account Registration On the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency portal, click on the “register now” option to create an account. Fill out the registration form with your personal information. You will need to include your full name, passport details, email address, and phone number. You will need to verify your email address and phone number. Complete the Application Form Now that you have an account, login and click on the “Request Premium Residency” option. Here, you can fill out the application form. You will be asked various details such as personal information, information about your family, your education, your occupation, your finances, and other general information. Document Submission You will be required to upload supporting documents, such as scans of your passport, ID, birth certificate, marriage certificate, bank statement, employment contract, and various other relevant documents. After you have completed this, you will pay the application processing fee of 170 USD, which can be paid through the portal online. Review and Submission review the application and submit it for processing. What Are The Required Documentation for Premium Residency Application Applicants aiming to secure Saudi Premium Residency must gather and submit a comprehensive array of supporting documents. These documents are crucial to demonstrate the eligibility and compliance of the applicant with the residency requirements. The required documentation includes: Saudi Iqama Number (if applicable): For applicants currently residing in Saudi Arabia, providing the Iqama number helps in verifying their residency status and history within the Kingdom. Bank Statements for the Previous 12 Months: These statements are necessary to assess the applicant’s financial stability and capability to support themselves and their dependents while residing in Saudi Arabia. Proof of Current Address: This includes utility bills, lease agreements, or other official documents that confirm the applicant’s residential address. Personal Photographs of the Applicant and Family Members: Recent passport-sized photographs are required for identification purposes. Passport Copies and Saudi Visas: Copies of all relevant passport pages and visas must be submitted to verify the applicant’s identity and travel history. Medical Reports from Accredited Healthcare Providers: Health examinations and reports from accredited medical facilities ensure that the applicant and their family members meet the health standards required for residency. Financial Capacity Documentation: This includes certified salary statements or commercial registration documents for investors, proving the applicant’s financial capacity to sustain their residency in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Premium Residency Costs The costs associated with obtaining Saudi Premium Residency are structured according to the type of residency product chosen by the applicant: Limited Duration: This option entails an annual fee of 100,000 Saudi Riyals, offering residency that must be renewed every year. Unlimited Duration: For those seeking permanent residency, a one-time fee of 800,000 Saudi Riyals is required. Other Products: A one-time fee of 4,000 Saudi Riyals applies to specific residency categories designed for particular needs or short-term stays. Application Processing Fee: Regardless of the residency type, there is a standard processing fee of 170 USD, covering administrative and processing costs. You May Also Read: How To Split-Up Your Company Into Multiple Companies According To Saudi Regulations Validity and Renewal The validity and renewal terms of Saudi Premium Residency vary based on the specific product chosen by the applicant: Limited Duration: Valid for one year, this residency option can be renewed annually, subject to compliance with the residency requirements. Unlimited Duration: This provides permanent residency status, eliminating the need for periodic renewals. Real Estate Owner: The residency remains valid for the duration of property ownership, aligning the residency period with the property investment. Investor: Permanent residency is granted, with specific conditions to be met during the initial investment phase to ensure compliance. Entrepreneur: Offering a five-year renewable term, this option can potentially lead to permanent residency, encouraging long-term business investment in Saudi Arabia. Special Talent and Gifted: A five-year renewable term is provided, with pathways to permanent residency for individuals demonstrating exceptional skills or talents. Saudi Premium Residency Options The Saudi Premium Residency program offers seven options, officially termed Premium Residency Products, designed to cater to the varying needs of individuals seeking residency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These products allow applicants to choose the option that best suits their individual goals and preferences: Limited Duration Premium Residency Issued for a period of one to five years with the possibility of renewal, this option requires an annual fee of 100,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately 26,670 US Dollars). Applicants opting for a period longer than one year are eligible for a 2% fee reduction, provided the payment is made in advance to benefit from the cumulative discount. This product is particularly suitable for investors or businessmen interested in executing specific-term investment projects in Saudi Arabia. It is also recommended for those who wish to explore the daily lifestyle, business environment, and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia before considering permanent residency. In addition to the general eligibility criteria, applicants for this product must be at least 21 years old. Unlimited Duration Premium Residency This product offers permanent residency in Saudi Arabia, with a one-time fee of 800,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately 213,340 US Dollars). The main applicant must also be at least 21 years old. This option is especially suitable for those seeking long-term residency without the need for annual renewal, making it an attractive choice for individuals aiming to permanently relocate to Saudi Arabia or maintain a permanent residency permit in the country. Real Estate Owner Residency Foreign nationals can obtain Premium Residency by owning or holding usufruct rights to residential properties in Saudi Arabia. The property’s value must be at least four million Saudi Riyals. To be eligible, the property must be residential, already developed, and appraised by valuers accredited by the Saudi Authority (TAQEEM) to meet or exceed the minimum required property value. The purchase of properties through real estate financing, as well as mortgaging the properties, either before or after obtaining Premium Residency, is not permitted. For this product, the duration of the granted Premium Residency corresponds to the period of property ownership. Investor Residency This product provides foreign businessmen and investors with the opportunity to invest in Saudi Arabia while simultaneously obtaining permanent Premium Residency, offering a dual benefit. Saudi Arabia, known as one of the largest markets in the region and a compelling investment environment due to its robust economy and positive growth indicators, offers diverse fields and activities for investment. To qualify for this option, the applicant must hold an investment license in Saudi Arabia and, within the first two years, invest at least 7 million Saudi Riyals and create a minimum of 10 job opportunities in the country. Entrepreneur Residency Entrepreneurs and startup owners can also qualify for Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia, provided their ventures secure investments or investment rounds of at least 400,000 Saudi Riyals from venture capital funds or incubators recognized by the Premium Residency Center. Entrepreneurs must obtain an entrepreneurial license from the Saudi Ministry of Investment and a recommendation letter from the investing entity. Entrepreneurs are granted a five-year residency, which is renewable provided they maintain a minimum 20% ownership stake in the venture. Permanent residency may be awarded if the venture’s investment reaches 15 million Saudi Riyals, the entrepreneur retains at least 10% ownership in the company, and creates 10 job opportunities annually during the first two years. A notable advantage of this product is that the startup company benefits from an exemption from the Saudi localization program (Nitaqat) during its first three years of operation. Additionally, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to nominate two staff members for Premium Residency under the category of Special Talents as executives. Special Talent Residency The Saudi Premium Residency program is tailored for exceptional professionals in executive leadership, healthcare, science, and research, providing those with employment contracts in these specific fields the opportunity to obtain residency in Saudi Arabia. This residency is valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal and potential conversion to permanent residency. Additionally, it offers an exemption from the Nitaqat program. This product offers two primary pathways. The first caters to professionals in research, science, and healthcare. It requires at least a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of three years of experience in the relevant field, achievement of the necessary points as outlined by the point system of the Premium Residency Center, a recommendation letter from the employer, submission of three research papers within the field, and a minimum monthly salary of 14,000 Saudi Riyals for researchers and 35,000 Saudi Riyals for science and healthcare professionals. The second pathway is designed for executive-level professionals and also requires a recommendation letter from the employer, along with a minimum monthly salary of 80,000 Saudi Riyals. Gifted Residency Through this product, Saudi Arabia seeks to attract individuals with exceptional skills and achievements in a range of sports, cultural, and artistic fields. Those who qualify in these categories will be granted Premium Residency for five years, with the possibility of renewal and potential conversion to permanent residency. Additionally, they will receive an exemption from the Saudization program (Nitaqat). This category encompasses various Olympic sports like football, handball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, combat sports, athletics, and more, as well as literary and artistic fields such as music, writing, design, theater, cinema, and others. Applicants in this category must obtain a recommendation from a relevant Saudi authority such as the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Sports. They must also meet one of two conditions: either be nominated or receive an exceptional award, or fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the concerned ministry based on the field of application. Benefits of Saudi Premium Residency The Saudi Premium Residency program offers a multitude of benefits that make it an attractive option for foreign nationals: Family Privileges: Residency rights extend to spouses and dependents without additional fees, fostering family unity and stability. Property Ownership: Residency holders can own residential, commercial, and industrial properties, although certain regions may be excluded to preserve cultural and national interests. Business Opportunities: Premium Residency provides access to Saudi Capital Markets, enhances employment flexibility, and allows job transitions without the need for sponsorship, thus fostering economic integration. Convenient Travel: Unrestricted entry and exit from Saudi Arabia are facilitated via designated resident lanes at airports, streamlining travel processes. Additional Benefits: Residency holders can employ foreign domestic workers, ensuring household support, and family residency rights are retained in the event of the principal holder’s demise, offering security and continuity. The Saudi Premium Residency program represents a transformative opportunity for foreign nationals seeking to establish roots in Saudi Arabia. With its diverse range of residency options and transparent eligibility criteria, the program provides a flexible pathway to long-term residency. This initiative not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also bolsters Saudi Arabia’s economic vitality and global standing.